“That’s often the first thing people gravitate to when there is something new. It’s perhaps the easiest thing to do,” Fraser said. “The longer term strategies include attract-and-kill, repellent and biological control.”

Bug moves with ease

The stink bug is “an excellent hitchhiker and can be moved over large distances in shipping containers, cargo and vehicles,” according to provincial officials.

“It is anticipated it will continue to spread,” a post on the Ministry of Agriculture’s website says.

Spring is when adult stink bugs emerge from the warm confines of where they spent winter, usually attics and soffits.

The agriculture ministry is asking anyone in Ontario who finds a stink bug to catch it, take a photo and send the picture to the ministry.

“The best way to preserve specimens, and to prevent them from being crushed, is to place them in a small container with rubbing alcohol or vinegar,” the ministry says. “Good quality digital photos, showing key features such as the two white bands on each antenna, can also be useful for identifying [them].”